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Mathematica tutorial: Getting familiar with the 3D modeling software for 3D printing

This is a tutorial for beginners in Mathematica software, that will teach you how to start using the software and get familiar with the interface. You will learn how to create and edit mathematical commands, turn them into graphs and how to use some of the most basic features in order to create solid parts. Last but not least, this tutorial aims to teach you how to turn your 3D models into functional parts ready to be 3D printed.  In other words, after reading the tutorial, you will be able to:
  • Learn how to handle the basic tools of Mathematica
  • Create 2D sketches and 3D graphs
  • Export your 3D file for 3D printing
Then, your file created with this mathematical software will be ready for 3D printing thanks to our online 3D printing service!
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Mathematica is a software that deals with technical computing and enables you to do mathematical calculations. This software turns mathematical equations into graphs or solid parts. The way it works is simple: the user gives as input a mathematical equation and the software automatically calculates the output of this equation in 2D or in 3D form. Thanks to this procedure, it is easy to create, combine and customize 2D and 3D graphs even if you don’t have any prior experience in computing. All that the user has to do is to clearly define the parameters of the input of the equation and then he will get the mathematical result, without him doing any further calculations.

With Mathematica the user can either algorithmically generate geometric 3D models or import them as downloaded files from various marketplaces. This gives the possibility to save  the files in .STL file format and export them for 3D printing. Thus, Mathematica is often used as a tool for 3D printing 3D objects that are the result of complex mathematical equations which are hard to be designed manually with any other design or sculpting software.

Summary​

1. Handle the basic tools of Mathematica

  • 1.1. Create a ‘notebook’
  • 1.2. Create a Cell
  • 1.3. Change the type of a Cell
  • 1.4. Edit a Cell

2. Create 2D sketches and 3D graphs

  • 2.1. Input and Output of an equation
  • 2.2. Draw a 2D sketch
  • 2.3. Create 3D solid parts
  • 2.4. Graphs of complex equations

3. Export your 3D file for 3D printing

Tutorial Part #1